I, like many others, am a huge hockey fan.  

And I too, like so many others, have been affected by cancer. Deeply.

The 11-day Power Play is a great way to create awareness about the ills of cancer, raise some much needed funding to fight against it; all while enjoying the game of hockey.

So, this July I will lace up the skates up with hundreds of others in support of the fight against cancer here in Buffalo.  In particular, the funds I raise will support the kids we treat at Children's Hospital with our partners at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

When I hit the ice, I will play in honor of the following:

• My mother Sue Hughes, who lost her second battle with lung cancer
• My late father in law, Tim Buss, who also died of lung cancer
• My brother Bill's sister in law, Diane Schunke, who lost her heroic battle with cancer just last fall
• The ones that are (thank God) still here with us that have won the fight: Andrw Hughes, Bill Ryan, Michelle Bliss, Lori Pohrte, Andy Severson, Carol Pagliaccio

So, please donate if you can.  No donation is too small.  $5.00, $25.00, $50.00, etc.  Every dollar counts!

Thank you for your support!

This summer, more than 1,700 pairs of skates will hit the ice to play in the 2018 11 Day Power Play Community Shift to help in the fight against cancer! The 11-day game will be played in continuous, four-hour shifts at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York. Each shift will feature two new teams. The purpose of this important event is to raise critically-needed funds for important local cancer causes, including: cutting-edge cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; supporting programs that improve quality of life for children, adults and families affected by cancer through Camp Good Days; and, granting wishes and amazing experiences to kids with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, by Make-A-Wish Western New York. Although it may be physically challenging for our players to play four continuous hours of hockey, it will be a walk in the park compared to what some people have to endure in their battle against cancer. Cancer is a disease that touches everyone, and The 11 Day Power Play wants to make a difference, a big difference. You can help make a big difference by supporting our players' efforts in The 11 Day Power Play Community Shift.

As part of our fundraising efforts, we also offer various corporate sponsorships, providing value greatly in excess of the financial contribution. Please contact Sara Schumacher at sara@11daypowerplay.com or 716-830-3805 for more information. Team sponsorships start at $1,100 and are first come, first serve. 

Proceeds of the 11 Day Power Play Community Shift will benefit our local families while supporting cancer research and wellness programs at Roswell Park, Make-A-Wish WNY and Camp Good Days.

Donations are graciously accepted either online or by check. Please write checks out to 'The 11 Day Power Play' and send to PO Box 4 Buffalo NY 14223.

Find out more about this event, or the 2017 World’s Longest Hockey Game, at www.11daypowerplay.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.